Join the food community’s most inspired entrepreneurs, chefs, data scientists, investors, filmmakers, and enthusiasts this March to learn and discuss the ways in which technology continues to transform the food industry. The Food Track programming at SXSW focuses on innovation and technological advances across the entire food industry. Get a taste for some of the most exciting Food Track sessions for SXSW 2018 and be sure to add our session recommendations to your schedule.

One question is constantly brought up within Food programming; How will we feed the world’s population in 2040? At the current rate, we will not be able to grow/produce enough food to feed the booming global population. According to SXSW Programmer Adam Wode, “A number of sessions within the Food Track aim to tackle this question through innovative solutions. Discussions range from practical uses of artificial intelligence technology in agriculture to sustainable fishing methodologies, as well as a deep look into how chefs are fighting against food waste.”

Dive deeper into the Food Track from March 12-14 during SXSW Convergence programming. SXSW Convergence programming features a range of topics that straddle the cultural and technological intersection at the heart of SXSW with primary access granted to all SXSW Badges.

Food Session Highlights

The Restaurant of the Future

The cost of food, labor, and rent are forcing many in the restaurant industry to change their business model or get out of the business. What does a successful restaurant in 2018 look like compared to 15 years ago? And what kind of restaurant will we all be eating at 5 or 10 years from now? Will consumer preferences, food and climate policy, social and economic change, technological advances, and other forces play a role in the evolution of the restaurant industry?

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Plant-Based & Clean Meat Will Save The World!

Industrialized animal agriculture takes a significant toll on our environment, food security, global health, and animal welfare. But decades of work focused on convincing consumers to consume less meat have not put a dent in meat consumption in the developed world, and meat consumption in the developing world is skyrocketing. We have four panelists who are on the cutting-edge of food innovation that will relegate industrialized animal agriculture to the dustbin of history.

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Taking Mass Extinction Off the Seafood Menu

Over 90% of the world’s seafood stocks are depleted – and just three species are on nearly every restaurant menu. To save seafood (so we can keep eating it), the way we catch, serve and consume it must change. James Beard Foundation recruited the most powerful influencers – chefs and fishermen – as the new heroes to save the world’s seafood stocks. Along with scientists and activists, can they convince consumers to branch out from salmon, shrimp and tuna – and bring seafood back from the brink?

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Disruptive Tech in Your Home Cannabis Kitchen

The panel is a great cross-section of experts in the cannabis industry who focus on the fundamentals of cooking with cannabis. We’ll talk about the best, fastest and easiest tech tools to make the perfect medicine, culinary treat or craft cocktail

Crossover Track Recommendations

Explore topics outside of your focus area and learn from SXSW sessions across all 24 Tracks of Conference programming. These recommended sessions are outside of the Food Track but will interest any SXSW attendee.

Purchase your SXSW Badge and reserve your hotel today to experience these sessions along with 10 days of screenings, showcases, exhibitions, networking, and more this March 9-18 in Austin, TX. Take the Tracks Quiz to discover which badge will suit your needs.